The high-performance electrocatalysts have attracted significant attention to develop efficient energy conversion systems for clean production of hydrogen, hydrocarbon compounds, and ammonia. Electrodeposition is a simple method for fabricating the electrocatalysts with facile control of compositional and morphological properties in aqueous solutions under mild conditions. In this review, recent progress in electrodeposited electrocatalysts is summarized.
Abstract:
The development of electrocatalysts for energy conversion systems is essential for alleviating environmental problems and producing useful energy sources as alternatives to fossil fuels. Improving the catalytic performance and stability of electrocatalysts is a major challenge in the development of energy conversion systems. Moreover, understanding their electrode structure is important for enhancing the energy efficiency. Recently, binder-free self-supported electrodes have been investigated because the seamless contact between the electrocatalyst and substrate minimizes the contact resistance as well as facilitates fast charge transfer at the catalyst/substrate interface and high catalyst utilization. Electrodeposition is an effective and facile method for fabricating self-supported electrodes in aqueous solutions under mild conditions. Facile fabrication without a polymer binder and controlability of the compositional and morphological properties of the electrocatalyst make electrodeposition methods suitable for enhancing the performance of energy conversion systems. Herein, we summarize recent research on self-supported electrodes fabricated by electrodeposition for energy conversion reactions, particularly focusing on cathodic reactions of electrolyzer system such as hydrogen evolution, electrochemical CO2 reduction, and electrochemical N2 reduction reactions. The deposition conditions, morphological and compositional properties, and catalytic performance of the electrocatalyst are reviewed. Finally, the prospective directions of electrocatalyst development for energy conversion systems are discussed.
Author list:
Junhyeong Kim†, Hyunki Kim†, Gyeong Ho Han†, Seokjin Hong, Juhae Park, Junbeom Bang, Soo Young Kim*, Sang Hyun Ahn*
How to cite:
J. Kim, H. Kim, G. H. Han, S. Hong, J. Park, J. Bang, S. Y. Kim, S. H. Ahn, Exploration 2022, 2, 20210077.
https://doi.org/10.1002/EXP.20210077